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Conversations with the Ionia County Peace Community ... about National Hispanic Heritage Month

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By Deborah Trierweiler

Ionia Sentinel - Standard-Ionia, MI

By Deborah Trierweiler

Posted Oct. 9, 2012 at 10:12 PM
Updated Oct 10, 2012 at 12:07 AM

By Deborah Trierweiler

Posted Oct. 9, 2012 at 10:12 PM
Updated Oct 10, 2012 at 12:07 AM

Ionia County, Mich.

I pray for the day that my children see all people treated with respect and honor. I pray for the day that all people realize that every person around them has stories and experiences that can be used to teach others. I long for the day when we don't have to separate a group of people for a month of the year to remember how important that group is to our history, for that day when we all realize daily how important each person is to our history.

Until that day, I will join others in honoring the Hispanics during this National Hispanic Heritage Month by borrowing these words from another. Perhaps by sharing these words of wisdom, I will have taken my world one step closer to achieving my dream that every person will know that every other person is important in a very unique and special way.

So in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month …

National Hispanic Heritage Month 2012

From the 55th Wing Equal Employment Opportunity office

(9/28/2012) OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. — In 1988, in an effort to recognize people of Hispanic descent, Congress enacted the National Hispanic Heritage Month into law covering a 31-day period from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

The theme for this year's observance is "Diversity United, Building America's Future Today," highlighting the vital role Hispanics continuously play in the events that shape the USA.

"Our Nation's story would not be possible without generations of Hispanics who have shaped and strengthened the fabric of our Union," said President Barack Obama in a presidential proclamation honoring this year's Hispanic Heritage Month. "They have enriched every aspect of our national identity with traditions that stretch across centuries and reflect the many ancestries that comprise the Hispanic community."

The proclamation also highlighted the Hispanic communities' contributions in the defense of the nation.

"They have led movements that pushed our country closer to realizing the democratic ideals, closer to realizing the democratic ideals of America's founding documents, and they have served courageously as members of our Armed Forces to defend those ideals at home and abroad," the president said.

By design, Hispanic Heritage Month observances begin on Sept. 15 to coincide with the day several Latin American countries celebrate their Independence Day. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua each celebrate their Independence Day on Sept. 15, Mexico on Sept. 16 and Chile on Sept. 18. People are often surprised to learn Columbus Day, "Día de la Raza," is also celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Throughout the years, the Air Force has established relationships with Hispanic associations such as the League of United Latin American Citizens and continues to support these types of diverse professional development forums. Through these relationships, the Air Force further increases awareness among cross-cultural audiences for educational and career opportunities available in the Air Force.

Page 2 of 2 - Regardless of our background, we share a common belief in the enduring promise of America - the promise that no matter where we come from or what we look like, each of us can contribute towards, Building America's Future Today.

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DEBORAH TRIERWEILER is parent liaison with Ionia County Great Start Collaborative (ICGSC) and a member of the Ionia County Peace Community. She can be reached at ioniagscparents@yahoo.com. The ICGSC is a partnership of community leaders, business owners, charitable and faith-based organizations, health and human service agencies, educators and parents that come together for the purpose of promoting awareness and advocating for early childhood issues, addressing factors that influence school readiness, and planning and coordinating community services.

THE IONIA COUNTY PEACE COMMUNITY welcomes volunteers of all ages who are interested in events and activities that promote a Beloved Community where we recognize our interdependence and use our diversity and different gifts to enrich the whole. For more information or to become a member, e-mail ioniacountypeace@gmail.com, call 616-527-7163 or find us on Facebook. Visit our website at ioniacountypeacecommunity.org, where you also will find our blog.